I remember when the truth about cannabis and its tremendous healing capacity was starting to come out, yet laws prohibiting its use remained strict. It made me angry that something with such potential could be kept illegal, especially while other, much more detrimental substances like alcohol were still readily available, encouraged, and promoted in our society. In just a short time, however, those laws that seemed unshakable have begun to lift. With cannabis becoming completely legal in Colorado in January 2014, we have since seen several other states follow suit, and Canada is on the same path.

The next hurdle is psychedelics. This is another thing I just assumed would remain illegal, but as with anything else, with enough awareness, change is possible! Earlier this year, because of a massive campaign run by the Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), MDMA assisted psychotherapy became an FDA approved treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which has already provided incredible healing for many people.

Now, What About Magic Mushrooms?

If you’re thinking, why? Then maybe you haven’t yet heard about the tremendous healing capacity that magic mushrooms hold as well. Again, MAPS has funded a few studies that showcase the amazing potential that comes with the active component in “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin. They have been used successfully to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, nicotine addiction, alcohol addiction, anxiety, depression and more. This substance is very promising, but because it’s still considered a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, getting funding and government permission to study it is quite difficult.

One Step Closer to Legalization?

Last month, the state of California cleared the first hurdle in the path of decriminalizing magic mushrooms. There is a petition that is currently garnering signatures, and they need 365,000 to be placed on a future ballot.

If this measure were put on a ballot and eventually passed, California would become the first state to decriminalize these psychedelic substances. 365,000 doesn’t seem unattainable, and as more and more research emerges proving the benefits of these substances, more people will feel inclined to sign the ballot.